Ganga Addara in a new frame
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Sumithra Peries' Ganga Addara with its evergreen tunes and powerful
performances delivered by the charming pair, Vasanthi Chathurani and
Sanath Gunatileke backed by Vijaya Kumaratunga, still remains as one of
the favourite movies of all time among the local and international
audiences.
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Saranga, Shalini and Niroshan. Picture
by Malan Karunaratne |
The touching story which did not quite tally with Leticia Botheju's
novel with the same name will once again be projected on the screen by
young director Saranga Mendis. This time Ganga Addara will once again
come before the viewers with a difference. For example it will be titled
as Aathmeeya Ganga Addara and will visit the mini screen as a teledrama
rather than a movie on the silver screen.
Young actress Shalini Tharaka who emerged through Sirasa Kumariyo
will portray the role of Nirmala which Vasanthi took up in the movie
while the talented Saranga Dissasekara will take up the role of Ranjiht
which was acted by Sanath. Niroshan Wijesinghe of Muthu Kirilli fame
will be Dr. Pathirana, the doctor who finally soothes Nirmala's
shattered mind. This role was effectively brought to life by legendary
actor Vijaya Kumaratunge in Ganga Addara, the movie.
Artistes connected with the yesteryear movie as well as those who
hope to contribute to the upcoming creation gathered to take part in the
muhurath of Aathmeeya Ganga Addara. Milina Sumathipala who was the
producer of Ganga Addara the movie and its director Sumithra Peries were
present to give their blessing to the team.
Speaking to the gathering which comprised Media Minister Lakshman
Yapa Abeywardena, Land and Land Development Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga,
seasoned actor Ravindra Randeniya and others, director Mendis said the
project is a dream come true for him.
"However the teledrama will not follow the film's plot. It is a whole
new creation though it would be greatly influenced by Botheju's story
and its characters. We do not hope to extend it beyond 60 episodes. I
would be working with experienced actors like Randeniya, Tony Ranasinghe,
Cletus Mendis and Anula Karunatilleke in this creation," he said.
Another noteworthy fact connected with this creation is the fact that
actors Randeniya and Ranasinghe will be acting together in one frame
after a span of 20 years. Their first appearance together was in Duhul
Malak and they appeared in the same creation together for the last time
in Rae Manamali. A production designer, Janaka Mallimarachchi, will also
be functioning on the sets of Aathmeeya Ganga Addara.
Buddhadasa Vithanarachchi, Veena Jayakody, Richard Weerakoddy,
Douglas Ranasinghe, W. Jayasiri and others too portray roles in the
teledrama.
Prabath Roshan is the cameraman and in charge of the lighting while
Bhanura Jayamal Manage is the art director. Ebert Wijesinghe returns
back to the tele scene as the make up artist and W. Ravindra is the
assistant director. The second AD is Amila Madjiwala, third AD is Jihad
Al Saja and the production manager is Hasantha Gunasekara. Kasun Kalhara
is the music director for Aathmeeya Ganga Addara. Ajith Galapaththi,
Kalum Srimal and Janaka Mallimarachchi penned the lyrics.
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